
Splay anniversary sale is going on and everything is discounted right now!
Splay Shoes has reimagined the classic American sneaker with a barefoot feel for more comfort.
Known for its accessibility and affordability, Splay Shoes recently redesigned its entire lineup and launched FIVE new models this year. The quality is overall better, but there are some things to know about the fit and feel.
Key Takeaways
- Splay shoes look like classic sneakers but are barefoot-friendly with flat, flexible soles and a wide toe box.
- They are great for beginners and have a semi-cushioned feel for an easier transition into barefoot shoes
- They are probably not ideal for barefoot enthusiasts seeking very minimal, flexible soles.
- Splay has affordable options and good value for the price.
- They run a little small and don’t have half sizes, so if in between size up.
Meet the New Splay
Splay relaunched all their shoes in 2024 with improved quality while keeping the brand’s commitment to a lower price point. With options from toddlers to men’s size 14, Splay is a solid choice for all ages of people who want comfier alternatives to traditional sneakers like Nike, Vans, or Adidas.
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off full priced items (not active during the anniversary sale)
Less Barefoot?
While Splay shoes are a fantastic entry point for those new to the barefoot movement, the changes might not appeal to the more dedicated barefoot enthusiasts. Most models now have a less flexible sole with a transitional feel, and a removable insole for optional cushion.
This makes them ideal for those who want to ease into barefoot footwear, or who are craving more classic styling. They still are flexible and wide, just not as much as they used to be (except for the kids Explore! Those are unchanged).
Splay will soon be launching an updated Freestyle with a wider and softer fit. If you’re someone who wants a true barefoot feel, stay tuned for that!
Improved Quality
The newly redesigned models are a marked improvement over older versions in terms of design and quality, but they aren’t intended to rival high-end sneakers. Splay shoes are best suited for casual wearers who don’t mind a sneaker looking slightly worn over time. Don’t expect them to hold up as well as $200 shoes, but for $60 – $100 a pair, they offer good value for their price.
Another great improvement to Splay shoes is that they all have a removable insole now! Something I’ve been pushing for from barefoot shoe brands for years. That also gives you the option of two different cushioning levels in the shoe.
Overall Sizing & Fit
While there are some differences between models, overall sizing is as follows:
- Runs slightly small, and doesn’t come in half sizes. I typically wear a women’s 6.5 and a 7 works well for me.
- Average to wide fit – adult models have lots of toe space compared to traditional sneakers, but may not suitable for extra wide toe splay. Kids models have a slim heel but wide toe box.
- Medium to high volume – this is where you get the most variation on fit between models, so read on for the lowdown!
Now let’s get into the individual models!
The Rev
The Rev is probably my favorite new shoe from Splay. They come in both low and high-top versions with a cool, modern look that is reminiscent of Vans shoes.
The design strikes a balance between functionality (as grippy skate shoes) and aesthetics, with a medium stack height that isn’t as thick as the new Runner 1 but still not super thin. I appreciate that they have a lot of vertical toe space, which makes the toe box feel roomier and more comfortable.
My one complaint is that the high tops take forever to put on and off. Neither of us wear high top sneakers very often for this reason, but it seems to take a particularly long time to do the laces on Rev hightop. Once on they’re really comfortable! But the low top Rev is the one I wear most often because I’m impatient.
Overall Justin and I both are fans and find the fit comfy and wearable.
Sizing & Fit
- Mostly true to size: These run slightly small and there are no half sizes, so if in between size up.
- Wide fit: While the shoe is on the wider side, it’s not suited for extra-wide feet. The rubber sole wraps up around the edge, which makes for a cool look that both Justin and I appreciate, but it limits the stretchability of the canvas upper and makes it less adaptable for extra wide foot shapes.
- Medium to high volume: The Rev fits true to size and works best for medium to high-volume feet. The laces allow for customization, making it possible to tighten the shoe for low-volume feet (like mine). I noticed this caused a bit of bunching though.
- Vertical toe space! The Rev offers good vertical space above the toes, which is a common issue with many shoes. While it doesn’t quite match the spaciousness of the Runner 1, it still provides more than enough room to feel comfortable.
Streetstyle Slip-on
The Streetstyle Slip-On is the Splay shoe I have had the longest time to test. As a slip-on, it’s easy to throw on and go, and the canvas material softens quite a bit over time. However, they have a really high-volume fit that was tricky for me and lots of others. I had to add two tongue pads to the top of the shoe to keep my foot from sliding out!
Justin also had trouble with them being super wide in the heel, but if he wears them with socks they aren’t too slidey. He is less interested in using fit hacks to modify shoes, so socks it is. Despite the issue of them being too loose, we like the design and I find that I wear them on often.
In summary – high volume friends will be happy! And if you’re not high volume, expect to need to make use of tongue pads to get a good fit. Overall I still like the Streetstyle Slip-On because they look cool, are comfy, and easy to put on and off.
Sizing & Fit
These fit similarly to the Rev, just without laces for adjustability.
- Mostly true to size: These run slightly small and there are no half sizes, so if in between size up.
- Wide fit: A wide fit that feels generous because there is a lot of volume
- High volume: No adjustments means that medium and low volume feet may have too much room and need to use a fit hack.
- Vertical toe space: Space above the toes in the Streetstyle means more wriggle room!
The 101
The 101 is a leather sneaker that builds on the same foundation as the Rev and Streetstyle Slip-on, but with a more elevated design and materials. The leather upper gives it a more polished feel, making it a good option for those who want a higher end sneaker look. It also feel sturdier, is easier to clean, and offers better durability for long term wear. However, it does feel stiffer initially and takes a bit to break in.
While I love the look, I found these to be the least comfortable of the bunch when brand new. The thicker material makes the whole shoe feel narrower so my toes rub on the sides of the shoe. They’ve been breaking in over time and becoming more comfortable, but I still prefer the Rev and Streetstyle.
Sizing & Fit
- Mostly true to size: These run slightly small and there are no half sizes, so if in between size up.
- Medium to wide fit: A wide fit that feels a little less roomy than Rev and Streetstyle because the leather is stiffer and thicker.
- High volume: On the high volume side, even with the removable insole inside. But I can cinch the laces to fit.
Runner 1
The Runner 1 is a transition-style shoe with the thickest sole of all the Splay models and retro vibes. It is less flexible than the other models too, and doesn’t really have any ground feel. But if you are someone who wants zero drop and toe space in an otherwise typical sneaker, they’ll help you on your way to happier feet.
I like them alright myself, but wish the sole was more flexible. I don’t mind the thickness, I just wish it moved with my foot more. And I think the toe box could be a touch wider. But I’d wear them over New Balance sneakers any day!
Running Shoe? Despite its name, I personally wouldn’t use the Runner 1 for running or gym use. The upper is thick and not particularly breathable, and the outsole isn’t as flexible and grippy as I like for gym use. To me, they are a lifestyle shoe.
Sizing & Fot
- Mostly true to size: These run slightly small and there are no half sizes, so if in between size up.
- Medium width – more toe space than a typical sneaker, but not as roomy as the other models. Best suited for an average width foot.
- Medium to low volume: These have a much closer fit than the other styles and feels a lot more secure on my low volume feet. You can remove the insole for more space.
- Vertical toe space: Runner 1 has a rounded shape with a lot of room above the toes.
Freestyle 2.0
The Freestyle 2.0 is your basic lace up sneaker. They have the thinnest, most flexible sole of any Splay shoe and come with a removable insole. For me the style is nothing special, compared to the other Splay styles, but classic Vans or Keds wearers will appreciate it.
I find the fit on the Freestyle to feel on the narrow side (for a barefoot shoe), because the canvas rubs. I actually feel like I have more room in the Rev and Streetstyle because those models have a lot more vertical space in the toe box. But the outsole is thinner and more flexible than those other models.
The Freestyle sneaker is already going through an update, and will be re-launched this year with a wider toe box and softer feel. I have a feeling I will appreciate this update!
Sizing & Fit
- Mostly true to size: These run slightly small and there are no half sizes, so if in between size up.
- Medium width: IMO these are best suited for average width and not wide or extra wide feet.
- Medium volume: These have an average volume and fit me fine with the insole and laces tightened a bit. Will fit higher volume feet without insole.
Kids Explore
The Kids Explore has the same thin, flexible sole as the Freestyle but a nice roomy toe box for growing toes. They are one of the cheapest kids barefoot shoes available, and come in all kinds of cute colors and prints. We have followed the Explore shoes from Splay ever since they were launched on a crowdfunding platform in 2018 – my son wore those shoes to death! The velcro is easy, they’re affordable, and they don’t squish their toes. Win all around.
Another great thing about the Explore is they are an accessible shoe for kids with mobility limitations.
The only issue we’ve ever had with the Explore is that the canvas can fade and look worn over time. For the price of these shoes, this is not surprising to me. And we were never too concerned about our shoes looking worn, so my boys just kept wearing them!
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Extra wide toe box, slim heel and midfoot: This makes for a secure fit without compromising toe space. If your child has a thick foot throughout, the shoes might feel too snug in the middle.
- Medium volume, with adjustable velcro.
Overall, Splay has done a commendable job with their redesigned lineup. However, if you’re a barefoot purist looking for the most minimalistic experience, Splay might not be the best fit for you. That said, for those transitioning to barefoot shoes or seeking an affordable, casual option, Splay is a strong contender.
2 thoughts on “Splay – The Classic American Sneaker But With More Toe Space”
Wonderful timing…the Splay slip-ons are on my wish list for payday tomorrow! Glad to hear they’re high volume and wide-fitting. :)))
I will say that the kids explore changed a lot the last time I bought them. They have been my kids go to shoe for a while now and the most recent update is bigger, stiffer, has an arch support insole and is higher volume than it was before.